J’AIME MAY/JUNE 2023

Y O U R L O C A L L U X U R Y L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E 

M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 3 

J’AIME 

Bright & 

beautiful 

summer home updates 

Win! 

a luxury candle 

and diffuser from a 

Lichfield wellness 

brand 

Shorts 

stories: 

How to wear summer’s 

wardrobe must-have 

AN EPIC CONCERT INSPIRED 

BY LICHFIELD’S RICH AND 

VARIED HISTORY

www.jaimemagazine.com 

3

CO N T E N T S 

InsideJ’aime this month... 

6 Lichfield Festival - Julian and Jiaxin Lloyd 

Webber talk professional and personal 

relationships ahead of their Lichfield Cathedral 

show this summer 

10 Lichfield Sinfonia - Composer Joanne Dodds 

on her epic Three Spires Suite, inspired by the 

rich and varied history of Lichfield 

12 Interiors - A gem of a colour for summer 

16 Interiors - Take the inside out 

20 Father’s Day - Spoil your dad with our gift 

ideas 

24 Food and drink - Reviewing SKC SupperClubs 

26 Food and drink - Seasonal food ideas from 

Dubberley Delicious 

30 Here To There Productions - An important play 

inspired by the impact of war on women in 

Ukraine comes to Birmingham 

34 What’s On - The best events around the 

Midlands this spring 

40 Wealth Matters - The world of finance with 

Jean Lamb 

42 Fashion - Shorts stories 

44 Beauty - Changing up your skincare for 

summer 

48 Competition - Win a luxury candle and diffuser 

from Lichfield wellness brand SOÔT 

50 In the news - The lure of vintage costume 

jewellery 

4 

www.jaimemagazine.com

Welcome to J’AIME 

As we head into late spring, with the promise of those 

heady summer months just ahead of us, there’s a 

sense of optimism in the air. It’s a wonder what the 

light nights and extra daylight hours do for your 

mood - and the mood of the country in general. Not 

to mention the array of Bank Holidays we’ve got over 

the next few weeks - after all, there’s nothing like a 

long weekend or three to fill everyone with the joys of 

spring! 

As such, the entertainment calendar is packed full 

of exciting events across the Midlands for the whole 

family to enjoy. 

Ahead of Lichfield’s flagship arts festival, which takes 

place from July 6 to 16, we caught up with festival 

patron Julian Lloyd Webber and his wife, acclaimed 

cellist Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, who will be performing an 

exclusive candlelit concert in Lichfield Cathedral to 

bring the 2023 festival to a close. 

We also chat to composer and violinist Joanne Dodds, 

whose specially created Three Spires Suite showcasing 

the history of Lichfield will be performed in the city’s 

cathedral this month, as well as Andrew Whittle, 

artistic director of Midlands theatre company Here 

To There Productions, who is brining a critically 

important play looking at the effects of war on women 

in the Ukraine to the stage in Birmingham. 

Elsewhere, we’ve got all of your usual favourites, from 

fashion and beauty to interiors and food, so we hope 

there’s plenty here for you to get stuck into. 

If you enjoy what you read in this issue, then why not 

help us to spread the word? As well as being delivered 

directly to homes in selected postcodes across the 

area, you can pick J’AIME up free of charge in major 

supermarkets around the Midlands, as well as read the 

whole thing - and plenty more! - online at 


EDITOR: AMY NORBURY 

EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM 

ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY 

ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM 

07388 335 931 

DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM 

CONTRIBUTORS: JACK DUBBERLEY, JEAN 

LAMB, DEBORAH MITCHELL, LOUISE 

LUDLAM-SNOOK 

J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY 

PUBLICATIONS LIMITED. 

Check us out online at: 

WWW.JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM 

Find us on 

/JAIMEMAGAZINE 

@JAIMEMAGAZINE 

@JAIMEMAGAZINE 


5

F E AT U R E 

A candlelit collaboration 

THE 2023 LICHFIELD FESTIVAL, WHICH TAKES PLACE FROM JULY 6 TO 16, WILL CLOSE WITH 

A SPECIAL CANDLELIT CONCERT AT LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL FEATURING FESTIVAL PATRON 

JULIAN LLOYD WEBBER AND HIS WIFE, INTERNATIONAL CELLIST JIAXIN LLOYD WEBBER. 

J’AIME CAUGHT UP WITH THE TALENTED DUO TO DISCOVER MORE 

CREDIT SIMON FOWLER 

The internationally-renowned cellist Julian Lloyd 

Webber is known to millions through his concert 

performances, collaborations with musicians 

from Yehudi Menuhin to Sir Elton John, and 

multiple award-winning recordings. He has had a 

long association with the Midlands, initially as a 

performer and more recently, after injury forced 

him to retire from playing, as Principal of the Royal 

Birmingham Conservatoire until 2020. He’s also a 

Patron of Lichfield Festival, the annual celebration 

of music and arts which takes over the city each 

summer. 

This year’s Festival takes place between July 6 and 16 

and, on the last night, Julian Lloyd Webber will host 

and curate an atmospheric ‘Bach by Candlelight’ 

concert in Lichfield Cathedral, performed by his 

international cellist wife Jiaxin Lloyd Webber. 

Born in China, Jiaxin had completed her studies at 

the Shanghai Conservatory of Music before moving 

to New Zealand to study for her Masters degree. She 

met celebrated cellist Julian while he was on a tour 

of the country - but romance wasn’t on the cards at 

first. 

Julian says: “We met in New Zealand in 2000. I was 

touring with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra 

and Jiaxin was a cello student at Auckland University. 

She attended my rehearsal and we chatted briefly. 

Then we met again in New Zealand two years later 

when I played the new Cello Concerto which Philip 

Glass had written for me. Again, Jiaxin was at the 

rehearsal. 

“That evening’s concert was being broadcast and 

6 


JULIAN LLOYD WEBBER 

WITH CLEO LAINE 

I asked her to help the recording engineers with 

the sound of my cello. We got on well, but it wasn’t 

until we met for a third time in New Zealand that 

something really ‘clicked’. I asked her if she would 

consider moving to London and she gave up a 

lot in New Zealand to do that. She had built up a 

substantial career there and had just bought her first 

house!” 

Alongside Julian’s solo career, the pair collaborated 

as a duo, performing sell-out tours with orchestras, 

making nationwide TV and radio appearances and 

recording two albums – ‘A Tale of Two Cellos’ was 

the No 1 UK classical album for many weeks. The 

playing relationship was clearly a very special one, so 

how has it changed over the years? 

“We really enjoyed working together - although 

sparks would sometimes fly!” 

admits Julian. “We are both 

perfectionists and we went into 

huge detail to make sure that our 

bowings, fingerings, phrasing and 

sound all matched. 

“Both of our recordings ‘A Tale 

of Two Cellos’ and ‘Vivaldi 

Concertos for Two Cellos’ were 

standout moments.” 

Sadly their successful working 

relationship was forever changed 

when injury put paid to Julian’s 

playing career. 

“We were touring a lot together 

when I was forced to stop 

playing, because a herniated disc 

JULIAN WITH JIAXIN IN CONCERT 

in my neck was causing a loss of 

power in my bowing arm,” he 

says. “I felt really sorry for Jiaxin 

because playing music together 

had taken some time. We never 

wanted to play together just for 

the sake of it – we were always 

looking for the right projects to 

grow organically. Finally we had 

found them and we were doing 

a lot of concerts and composers 

were beginning to think of 

writing two cello pieces for us to 

play together. Karl Jenkins had 

begun work on a new double 

cello concerto – it’s such a shame 

that it could never happen.” 

Determined to maintain the 

professional relationship they 

had spent years growing, 

the couple found ways to work around their new 

dynamic, with Jiaxin taking a front seat. 

Julian says: “It has taken us nearly ten years to find 

a new way of working together. I believe that these 

things can’t - or shouldn’t - be forced. Our ‘Bach 

Revealed’ programme grew entirely naturally from 

Jiaxin’s love of the wonderful Bach Cello Suites 

and my own curiosity about their history. She loves 

playing solo and especially completely solo – ie. 

without a piano or orchestra accompaniment – 

because she says she feels more in control. Personally, 

I used to love collaborating with other musicians.” 

While Jiaxin has been busy developing her solo 

career, Julian has continued to be a vocal champion 

for classical music and advocate for music education. 

www.jaimemagazine.com 7

He founded the In Harmony music 

education programme in 2007 and 

was Principal of Royal Birmingham 

Conservatoire for five years from 2015, 

during which time he oversaw the move 

to a new £57m building and the award of 

Royal status by Her Majesty the Queen. 

What does he feel is the current key topic 

that classical music should be addressing? 

“There are so many, but I think the 

key issue is around introducing all 

our children to music and this has to 

begin at primary school,” Julian says. 

“Throughout my life I have believed in 

introducing beautiful music to as many 

people as possible all over the world.” 

Julian is looking forward to returning 

to Lichfield and to the Cathedral, the 

venue for their late evening ‘Bach by 

Candlelight’ concert. It’s a suitably grand 

space for a composer whose appeal is so 

universal that two pieces of his music were sent into 

space on NASA’s 1977 Voyager space mission. 

JULIAN LLOYD WEBBER. 

PHOTO BY JOHN MILLAR 

JIAXIN LLOYD WEBBER 

ON STAGE 

“It’s a terrific Festival with a very wide choice 

of music to suit all tastes – and, of course, it has 

the most wonderful ‘concert hall’ in the 

Cathedral!” says Julian. 

“Pablo Casals, the cellist who first started to 

play the Cello Suites in public, said ‘The Cello 

Suites are the essence of Bach – and Bach is 

the essence of music’ – and he was right! It 

is wonderful music on so many levels and the 

Suites will sound marvellous in the Cathedral. 

“Both of us love performing in such beautiful 

and historic places – it brings an extra magic 

to the occasion. In the concert, I narrate the 

fascinating story behind the composition of the 

Suites while introducing performances of them 

by Jiaxin. It’s an extraordinary story: neglected 

for almost two hundred years, the Suites finally 

emerged from obscurity to become some 

of the most treasured pieces in the classical 

repertoire. They’ve been arranged for at least 

20 different instruments – from the ukulele 

to the tuba and are even used as ringtones on 

mobile phones! Jiaxin will also play Malcolm 

Arnold’s Fantasy for Cello which Arnold 

composed for me in 1986. I may tell some 

stories about working with Arnold but they 

are mostly unrepeatable – especially in such 

hallowed surroundings!” 

‘Bach by Candlelight’ is at Lichfield Cathedral 

on Sunday, July 16 at 9pm. Lichfield Festival 

runs from July 6 to 16. Full details are available 

at www.lichfieldfestival.org 

8 


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F E AT U R E 

The sounds of Lichfield 

A VERY SPECIAL CONCERT BY LICHFIELD SINFONIA FEATURING A DRAMATIC SUITE 

INSPIRED BY THE CITY’S RICH AND VARIED HISTORY TAKES PLACE AT THE LICHFIELD 

CATHEDRAL THIS MONTH. AMY NORBURY CHATTED TO COMPOSER AND VIOLINIST 

JOANNE DODDS, TO DISCOVER MORE 

Commissioned in 2017 to mark 

Lichfield Sinfonia’s 60th anniversary, 

The Three Spires Suite is a special 

piece indeed. Composer Joanne 

Dodds, who has played violin with 

the orchestra since 2011, drew on 

the rich heritage of Lichfield for 

inspiration, and movements reflect 

the Besieged Cathedral, Dr Johnson, 

The Bower and Lichfield as a festival 

city, and The Chase - the Kings 

hunting grounds, interspersed with 

the fire and heresy of the 17th 

century. 

Joanne, who went to school in 

Lichfield and joined the Lichfield 

Sinfonia when she returned to 

the Midlands following a career 

in the Navy, is now leader of the orchestra. She 

was delighted to be asked to create a piece for the 

orchestra’s special milestone - discovering some 

interesting facts about the city’s history in the 

process. 

During the English Civil War, there were three 

great sieges of Lichfield between 1643 and 1646. 

As the Cathedral Close was surrounded by a ditch 

and defensive walls, it made a natural fortress. The 

VIOLINIST JOANNE DODDS, WHO 

COMPOSED THE THREE SPIRES SUITE 

cathedral authorities, with a certain following, were 

for King Charles I of England, but the townsfolk 

generally sided with Parliament, and this led to the 

fortification of the close by the Royalists in 1643. 

The Three Spires Suite’s opening movement depicts 

The Siege of Lichfield, which took place between 

March 2 and 4, 1643. 

“There’s lots of military horn sounds, lots of 

timpani,” explains Joanne. “There’s a plaque at the 

Cathedral where a chap called Lord Brooke was shot 

through the eye by a sniper in one of the 

towers, so there’s a gunshot, too. The music 

tells the story of the siege, so there’s some 

gore in there, it’s a dramatic piece.” 

One of Lichfield’s most famous sons, Dr 

Samuel Johnson, is the subject of the 

second movement. 

“The musical theme in this piece uses 

note A,B,C like the dictionary, telling the 

audience about Dr Johnson’s history,” says 

Joanne. 

“The main theme itself, first heard in 

the cello section, uses all of the notes 

10 www.jaimemagazine.com

alphabetically from A to H. In German, 

Bb is referred to as B and B natural is H, 

so that way we got to use more letters! 

“It’s a much more sedate, slowed down 

piece, and quite melancholy in parts 

because he actually had quite a sad life. 

He’s very famous now, but at the time 

he wasn’t particularly renowned for his 

work. And he definitely wasn’t a rich man 

towards the end.” 

Erasmus Darwin and Lichfield’s Bower 

Queen tradition come into play for the 

third movement, which, says Joanne, 

has a more Latin vibe to encapsulate a festival 

atmosphere. 

“It’s in 5/4 time, so five beats to a bar, which is 

slightly unusual but gives it that carnival vibe,” says 

Joanne. 

“The middle section represents Erasmus Darwin, 

and the four aspects of his life as a physician, a 

philosopher, a scientist and a linguist too. I chose 

different people in the orchestra who do those jobs 

and they’ve all got solo parts to play. Although we 

don’t actually have a doctor, we’ve got two dentists so 

one of them fills that role! We’ve got a vicar as our 

viola player, who performs the philosopher role, a 

physics teacher as the scientist, and our second violin 

is a linguist. 

“I wrote the solos with the particular members in 

mind, meaning we’ve got some unusual solos - you 

don’t often get a bassoon solo!” 

The Three Spires Suite finishes with a rondo - or 

recurring melody - which pays tribute to the last 

person in England who was burned at the stake for 

heresy. In 1611, Edward Wightman faced trial for 

heresy in Lichfield Cathedral in front of hundreds of 

members of the public. He was sentenced to death 

JOANNE TOOK INSPIRATION 

FROM LICHFIELD’S RICH HISTORY 

by burning at the stake on approval of King James I. 

“When I was looking into the history, I discovered 

that when Wightman was actually tied to the stake 

and the bonfire was set under him, he actually 

recanted,” says Joanne. “Then he refused to sign the 

retraction and was eventually executed. 

“So the middle section represents those flames 

flickering at first, then dying down, then building up 

to a big bonfire.” 

The final movement also represents Cannock Chase 

as the King’s hunting ground, so themes of hunting, 

and the momentum of a chase recur within the 

piece. 

From humble beginnings in 1957 as a small chamber 

orchestra, Lichfield Sinfonia has grown both in 

size and talent, tackling full symphonic works with 

around 50 players. Members range from teenagers to 

players in their eighties, all brought together by their 

love of classical music. 

The orchestra has performed in several local venues, 

schools, churches and the old Civic Hall, but has 

made its home now in Lichfield Guildhall. However, 

performing their locally-inspired piece in Lichfield 

Cathedral, the setting for the first, darkly dramatic 

movement, makes the concert that much more 

special for the orchestra. 

“This is the first time we will have played it in 

the Cathedral, so it’s going to be so exciting,” 

says Joanne. 

“It’s kind of a dying art now, playing full 

symphonic music, so it’s great that we’re able 

to keep that going as a full sized symphony 

orchestra. It will be a really special concert for 

us all.” 

Lichfield Sinfonia’s spring concert featuring 

The Three Spires Suite takes place at Lichfield 

Cathedral on May 20 at 7.30pm. For more 

details visit www.lichfieldsinfonia. 

co.uk and book tickets online at www. 

ticketsource.co.uk/lichfieldsinfonia 


I N T E R I O R S 

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I N T E R I O R S 

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F O O D & D R I N K 

Some enchanted evening 

AN INTIMATE DINNER PARTY EXPERIENCE SHOWCASING THE BEST LOCAL AND 

SEASON PRODUCE IN ON THE MENU WHEN YOU DINE WITH SKC SUPPERCLUBS, 

AS AMY NORBURY DISCOVERED 

Who doesn’t love a good dinner party? Good food, 

fine wine and flowing conversation always make 

for a sterling evening. Even better if, rather than 

hosting and cooking, you have a private chef to do 

all the hard work for you. Better still if said chef 

has a beautiful home for you to use for the evening, 

meaning all that washing up and tidying away is left 

behind too. 

Enter Susie Corbin, founder of SKC SupperClubs 

based in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. 

Talented chef Susie cut her teeth in the kitchens of 

London’s brunch hotspots, landing her first head 

chef role in a West London seafood restaurant 

before moving home to the Midlands as head 

chef of Lichfield favourite Thyme Kitchen. Since 

departing Thyme, Susie has worked as a private chef 

for discerning diners looking for restaurant quality 

food in their own homes before setting up SKC 

SupperClubs alongside husband Michael. 

Initially seasonal, SKC SupperClubs now hosts 

monthly dining experiences, showcasing the very best 

of seasonal and local produce and attracting diners 

near and far to events set on a private estate in the 

pretty Derbyshire village of Egginton. 

The Glasshouse is a beautiful, Victorian orangery 

located in the stunning gardens of the Corbins’ 

family home, and provides a picturesque setting for 

Susie’s intimate supper clubs. J’AIME was invited to 

join the Spring Supper Club event, making the trip 

across the county border to 

We were welcomed with a glass of local fizz, 

produced in the vineyards of historic Renishaw 

Hall in Derbyshire, before being shown through 

to the cosy lounge, where our fellow diners were 

already gathered. This was an opportunity for the 

guests to chat; the supper clubs are a truly convivial 

experience, with all diners seated together on 

one large table, so it was nice to enjoy a welcome 

icebreaker before dinner. 

Susie’s supper clubs are already making a name for 

themselves as, alongside diners who had popped over 

from the neighbouring villages, guests for the evening 

LICHFI 


also included a lovely South African couple who had 

driven several hours to attend after hearing about the 

event through Susie’s Instagram. 

With conversation - and wine - flowing, we were 

treated to the first samples of Susie’s cooking. Her 

signature canapes included a delicious honey glazed 

chorizo bite, and a beautifully delicate Dorset crab 

and apple mini tartlet. Each bite was a perfect 

mouthful, and set a high bar for things to come. 

Appetites suitably whetted, we were shown through 

to the dining room, taking our seats around the 

impressive, custom-made granite table which had 

been adorned for the occasion with beautiful floral 

arrangements. A menu card at each place setting 

offered a personalised greeting - another nice little 

touch. 

As well as the house wines which are included in the 

evening’s £95-per-head price tag, Susie and Michael 

have curated a list of locally sourced wines which 

are available to purchase by the bottle, should guests 

want to try something a little different. 

The menu started with a bread course, and it’s 

always nice to see a chef get a little inventive with 

their breadmaking. Susie’s Persian flatbreads were 

a delectable morsel, accompanied by a rather 

incredible charred onion hummus which had us all 

agreeing it was up there with the best hummus any 

of us had ever sampled. 

The soup course which followed was a rather lovely 

take on a classic English leek and potato. Rich and 

creamy, it was adorned with a scattering of crispy 

chicken skin which added a lovely bold savouriness as 

well as a nice textural contrast. 

Throughout the evening, service by Susie’s front of 

house team was attentive yet relaxed and unhurried, 

ensuring proceedings flowed along nicely. Susie also 

took the time to step out of the kitchen and chat with 

guests between courses. 

Moving onto the main event, and it was a showcase 

of superb Derbyshire beef fillet. Delicate slivers 

were served perfectly rare to make the most of 

that wonderful flavour, accompanied by a luscious 

red wine jus, purple sprouting broccoli and the 

most heavenly parmentier potatoes. Herby, crispy 

and bursting with flavour, these were - said Susie 

- a simple side dish to make, but one which really 

delivered. 

The evening’s finale featured every chef ’s favourite 

English spring dessert ingredient - pink rhubarb. 

Susie’s rhubarb and strawberry crumble balanced 

tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries to create a filling 

which was just right, and laced with an unctuous 

clotted cream custard to create a satisfying end to the 

dinner. 

SKC SupperClubs’ evenings are intimate, relaxed 

and great fun, perfect for anyone who enjoys sharing 

a good meal in fabulous surroundings with some 

excellent company. The local, seasonal menus 

showcase delicious produce at its best, adding 

restaurant quality refinements to elevate dinner party 

fayre to new heights. 

And with just a handful of tickets available for each 

event, diners need to act quick to ensure their seat at 

the table. 

The next supper club takes place on Saturday, May 

20, priced at £95 per person including house wines, 

beer, soft drinks and tea or coffee. For more details 

visit www.skcsupperclubs.co.uk 


F O O D & D R I N K 

The season of abundance 

LICHFIELD CHEF JACK DUBBERLEY, OF DUBBERLEY DELICIOUS, TAKES A LOOK 

AT SOME OF THE BEST SEASONAL PRODUCE AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW - AND HOW 

TO MAKE THE MOST OF NATURE’S LARDER 

As the King’s Coronation heralds a second Bank 

Holiday in as many weeks this month, it’s an exciting 

time for Jack Dubberley as it marks the grand 

opening weekend of his new Dubberley Delicious 

premises. 

Located on Tamworth Street, in the heart of 

Lichfield, the new space will see Jack’s unique chef ’s 

table restaurant concept grow to accommodate 

bookings of between four and 16 diners for a 

bespoke tasting menu in more spacious surroundings. 

Tables for two can benefit from an exclusive hire 

package, enjoying a private dining experience with 

an eight-course tasting menu, wine pairing and 

English sparkling fizz on arrival. 

Happily, the ambitious move coincides with the 

season of abundance, with an array of glorious 

British produce available to feature on Jack’s menus. 

“Asparagus is now well into its short season which, 

depending on the weather, could last until mid-May 

or even sneak into June,” says Jack. “If it gets too 

hot it starts to go woody, so the season can finish 

abruptly. 

“We’re lucky to have New Farm on our doorstep; 

they pick it every day and it reshoots daily so it’s just 

as fresh as you can get.” 

Simplicity is key when it comes to asparagus, says 

Jack. 

“It’s just about prepping the asparagus nicely then 

just blanching and refreshing it, ready to serve at 

STRAWBERRY DESSERTS 

ARE PERFECT FOR SUMMER 

LICHFIELD CHEF JACK DUBBERLEY 

room temperature seasoned with a bit of sea salt. 

One of my favourite asparagus dishes is with an aged 

parmesan custard, a fresh yuzu gel and a bit of wild 

garlic powder, keeping it nice and simple and making 

the most of those clean, complementary flavours.” 

“I really like using thinner spears on the barbecue, 

because the thicker spears can char too much on 

the outside before they’re cooked on the inside. 

Asparagus barbecues really nicely; I love serving it 

with some burrata and wild garlic pesto. It’s a lovely 

spring dish, and a great veggie dish to serve at a 

barbecue.” 

British berries, too, are coming into prominence. 

“As we head into late May and June, it’s all about 

berries, especially around here,” says Jack. “That’s 

where there are a lot of berry dishes on restaurant 

menus at this time of year. We chefs tend to go 

away from chocolate dishes in the summer and go 

for strawberry or raspberry dishes to keep it fresh. 

Everything has lots of colour, and that’s what you 

really want in summer. 


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JACK’S FAVOURITE ASPARAGUS DISH, 

FEATURING AN AGED PARMESAN CUSTARD 

AND YUZU GEL 

“I vac-pac my strawberries in a nice vinegar for a 

few hours and then just slice them to serve; pair 

with a lemon curd, lemon verbena shoots and a nice 

strawberry sorbet for a delicious dessert which shows 

off the produce to its best. 

“Locally, we’ve also got Manor Farm, which are well 

known for their strawberries and other berries, and 

there are plenty of pick-your-own places around here 

so you can always get beautifully fresh produce.” 

Gooseberries are another quintessentially British 

berry which are ready to pick - but one which seems 

to have fallen out of favour. 

“A gooseberry fool is the classic thing to do with 

them, but they really complement seafood and I 

make a lovely langoustine dish which includes a rich 

Mangalitza pork black pudding, gooseberry compote 

and fresh sliced gooseberries.” 

When it comes to foraging, you’ve just got time to 

find the last of the wild garlic before moving onto the 

next big find - elderflower. 

“Garlic is fully out now,” says Jack. “It’s been very 

early this year which means it might be finished by 

late May, so it’s all about preserving what’s left now 

so you’re prepared for the hunger gap. 

“When it comes to elderflower, it’s great for cordials 

and vinegars, and you could also make elderflower 

gin. I’d pair it with either rice vinegar or white 

wine vinegar, something which won’t overpower 

the elderflower flavour. It’s great to use in salad 

dressings, and it goes really nicely with fish dishes 

too. You could use it elderflower vinegar to slightly 

cure scallops, and then add some fresh or pickled 

elderflower to just cut through the richness. 

“A word of warning though; if you suffer from 

hayfever stay away from elderflower because it will 

set you off terribly!” 

A slightly more unusual ingredient to add even more 

colour to summer dishes are edible wildflowers, 

which can be used like herbs and for garnishes. 

“It’s like an extension of using herbs,” says Jack. 

“Nasturtiums are great because they’re completely 

edible; you can use the leaves like a herb, and the 

flowers to add colour.” 

When it comes to meat and fish, British crab is 

coming into its own now. 

“It’s all about those lighter dishes, and crab is perfect 

at this time of year - we get ours from the south 

coast, and they’re a great size now. Crab is lovely 

paired with fresh citrus such as yuzu, which really 

brings out the sweetness. Black garlic is lovely too, 

rather than wild garlic, or even a bit of beetroot 

which keeps it nice and fresh. 

“Summer really is a chef ’s favourite time of year,” 

adds Jack. “There’s so much amazing British 

produce available.” 

Jack’s top 

seasonal tips: 

Forage for: Elderflower - it’s perfect for 

cordials, vinegars and just for garnish 

Cook it now: You just can’t beat fresh, 

local asparagus, while British berries 

are at their best as we head into the 

warmer months - Wimbledon favourite 

strawberries and cream are the epitome 

of a British summer 

FORAGED ELDERFLOWER CAN BE USED TO 

MAKE DELICIOUS VINEGARS AND CORDIALS 


J'Aime Half Page.indd 1 22/08/2022 09:47 

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F E AT U R E 

The theatre of war 

MIDLANDS THEATRE COMPANY HERE TO THERE PRODUCTIONS ARE BRINGING A CRITICALLY 

IMPORTANT PLAY LOOKING AT THE DEHUMANISING IMPACT OF WAR ON WOMEN TO THE 

STAGE IN BIRMINGHAM THIS MONTH. AMY NORBURY CAUGHT UP WITH THE COMPANY’S 

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ANDREW WHITTLE TO DISCOVER MORE 

THE INTENSE PLAY IS BROUGHT 

TO THE STAGE BY HERE TO THERE 

PRODUCTIONS 

Bad Roads is a heart-breaking, powerful, bitterly 

comic account of what it is to be a woman in wartime 

Ukraine. Written by Natal’ya Vorozhbit, the leading 

Ukrainian playwright of her generation, Bad Roads is 

a response to the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea. 

Natal’ya was living in Kyiv, Ukraine when Russian 

bombs began to fall in February 2022, forcing her to 

flee her home with just her daughter, her cat and her 

car. 

Here To There Productions are thrilled to be the first 

UK theatre company to bring this critically important 

play to the stage since its première at The Royal 

Court in 2017. 

Where did you first come across Bad Roads? 

I first came across the play when I read a review in 

The Times. I have had business interests with a couple 

of companies in Ukraine and it is a country that I 

have visited more than any other and have become 

fond of the people. Before Covid, I made regular trips 

to Ukraine for about 15 years, so I was very conscious 

of the annexation of the Crimea and the conflict in 

the Donbas region. I saw the positive reviews about 

the play and went to see it at The Royal Court in 

2017. 

It seems to be quite a passion project for you 

as a producer - what about the play made you 

want to tell the story? 

Knowing Ukraine as well as I do and having 

developed several good friends and acquaintances, I 

always felt puzzled, and I have to say a little angry, 

that this country and other members of NATO were 

reacting so passively to what was a war going on in the 

Donbas region. I thought, “How can it be that there 

is a war taking place in Europe and we are all taking a 

back seat and not doing our best to help bring about 

a peaceful solution?” Obviously, the attitude of this 

Government and NATO changed when there was a 

full-blown invasion in February last year but originally, 

I wanted people to know what was happening, not in 

the Middle East or Africa, but in Europe. 


The production has - understandably - been 

delayed for several years; how does it feel to 

finally be bringing Bad Roads to the stage? 

Initially it felt wrong to be thinking about presenting 

this play last year after the invasion, I thought that it 

would feel like we were jumping on a ‘bandwagon’ 

with the invasion being the key news item for about 

three months but inevitably with the passage of time, 

we become used to living with the idea that there is 

this war and because it is happening every day, other 

events, primarily of a domestic nature, take centre 

stage and this gets put to the back of our minds. Now 

seems the right time to bring home to people just what 

is happening in Ukraine and how dehumanising it all 

is. 

At the current time, on average, more than nine 

people die every half an hour. Since February of 

last year, and this is disregarding what has happened 

between 2014 to 2021, nearly a quarter of a million 

people have died, mostly on the battlefield. Compare 

that to some of the other major disasters of the 20th 

century. 1,500 people lost their lives in the sinking of 

the Titanic. The Aberfan disaster in 1966 took 144 

lives. The Clapham Junction rail crash in 1988 (one 

of the worst in British railway history) accounted for 

35 people. In the same year, a Pan Am flight over 

Lockerbie killed 270 people. We have just had the 

30th anniversary of the Waco siege in Texas in which 

86 people died. So, what is happening in Ukraine is 

that there are 50 Lockerbies a month, two Titanics 

or 100 Claphams, every week, and more than three 

Aberfans every day. Or a Waco every four hours. 

What I would like people to do is see this play and 

think, “What can we do as a 

nation, along with all the other 

members of NATO, to bring 

peace and end this dreadful 

conflict”? 

It’s such an intense story 

- what can the audience 

expect from the play? 

Some people might feel very 

uncomfortable. When I saw 

it in London a couple of 

members of the audience 

did leave; the rest gave it a 

standing ovation at the end. 

The play tells the playwright’s 

own experience of leaving 

Kyiv and going to the Donbas 

region with a soldier to see 

what was happening. Her play 

BAD ROADS IS AN IMPORTANT 

LOOK AT THE IMPACT OF WAR ON 

WOMEN IN UKRAINE 

was the true account of several women in the region. 

Their stories show just how dehumanising a vicious 

war can be, but it also tells of the mechanisms that 

they have to be able to cope with the conflict and the 

consequences of it and there is humour amongst the 

violence, misery and degradation. 

The play tells several women’s stories - is 

there any one which particularly stands out 

for you? 

The stand-out one for me is a young woman who 

has been captured by a Russian soldier. She has been 

brutalised by this soldier who is a very intimidating 

character and her reaction to him looks as if she 

has moved from appeasement as a hostage to the 

development of Stockholm Syndrome. However, this 

particular story ends in a very unexpected way. I will 

not say more: ‘’no spoilers!’ 

Bad Roads by Natal’ya Vorozhbit is showing at 

The Blue-Orange Theatre, Birmingham from 

May 24 to 27. For more details visit www. 

heretothereproductions.co.uk and book tickets 

at www.blueorangetheatre.co.uk 

Here To There Productions have teamed up 

with the charity UN Women UK to help raise 

much-needed funds for the women and girls 

on the ground in Ukraine today. Find out 

more about their work at www.unwomenuk. 

org/ukraine and visit www.justgiving.com/ 

page/heretothereproductions-ukraine to 

make a donation to the cause. 


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W H AT ’ S O N 

What’s On this spring 

WITH SUMMER AROUND THE CORNER, THERE’S PLENTY OF EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS TO KEEP 

THE WHOLE FAMILY ENTERTAINED - AND HERE WE ROUND UP SOME OF THE BEST OPTIONS 

WHAT: THE D-DAY DARLINGS 

WHERE: TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS 

WHEN: MAY 14 

To celebrate the King’s Coronation the UK’s 

premier wartime act, The D-Day Darlings, present 

their sensational Coronation Celebration Show at 

Tamworth Assembly Rooms. 

Following on from their huge success on Britain’s 

Got Talent and their VE Day 75 Celebration Edition 

album I’ll Remember You with Sony Music, charting 

at number 5 in the official UK album charts, the 

D-Day Darlings have taken the country by storm, 

fast becoming the Nation’s Sweethearts. 

Their brand-new show, in celebration of the King’s 

Coronation, is a song and dance extravaganza for 

all generations to enjoy, ending with an explosive 

patriotic finale to bring the show to a glittering 

climax. 

Featuring The D-Day Juniors as well as special guest, 

Britain’s Got Talent 2019 Winner Colin Thackery, 

this promises to be a family-friendly show not to be 

missed. For more details visit 

www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk 

WHAT: HEATHERS THE MUSICAL 

WHERE: THE ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM 

WHEN: MAY 16 TO 20 

Following two smash hit West End seasons, a recordbreaking 

run at The Other Palace and winning 

the WhatsOnStage award for Best New Musical, 

Heathers The Musical, the black comedy rock 

musical based on the eponymous 1988 film, embarks 

on a new national tour. 

Westerberg High’s Veronica Sawyer is just another 

nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she 

joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers 

and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, 

mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill 

to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody. 

Wickedly funny and with dazzling book, music and 

lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, 

Heathers The Musical is based on the 1988 cult hit 

starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, and 

produced by Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor-Mills. 

With direction from Andy Fickman and electrifying 

choreography by Gary Lloyd, this is one class 

production you can’t afford to skip. 

For more details and to book tickets visit 

www.atgtickets.com/birmingham 

34 


Friday 4 & Saturday 5 August 

Doors open 6pm | Tickets from £27* | Premier Experience available 

Soprano Louise Callinan 

The Band of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers 

thenma.org.uk/summerproms 

Baritone Rodney Earl Clarke 

*Advance tickets available until 2 July. Standard tickets available from 3 July. 

National Memorial Arboretum 

Part of the Royal British Legion 

Croxall Road, Alrewas, 

Staffordshire DE13 7AR 

thenma.org.uk 

T: 01283 245 100 

E: info@thenma.org.uk 

Charity No. 1043992

WHAT: CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS 

WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK 

WHEN: MAY 20 

The Chicago Blues Brothers have put the band back together and are ‘Cruisin for a Bluesin’ taking 

you to the music capitals of the USA for one night of spectacular live music. This award-winning 

show is bringing you the very best in Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Country and Motown with a few 

surprises and lots of lunacy thrown in for good measure. 

All performed in the hard-hitting style that has made the Chicago Blues Brothers the biggest and 

most loved Blues Brothers shows in The World. From The Savoy theatre in London’s West End to 

the Madinat theatre Dubai this show has rocked some of the most iconic venues around the globe. 

Join Jake and Elwood, The Sweet Soul Sisters and the amazing CBB Band for a hand clapping, 

foot-stomping, hit parade corker of an evening. Overflowing with heart and brimming with soul, 

indisputably infectious with an exuberant spirit and energy that is impossible to resist. 

Getting the blues has never been so much fun. For ticket details visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com 

WHAT: BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET TRIPLE BILL 

WHERE: BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME 

WHEN: JUNE 8 TO 10 

This exciting triple bill includes Balanchine’s Apollo, the perfect vehicle to display the Company’s 

classical skill and artistry, sees the return of Juliano Nunes’s Interlinked, premiered earlier this year 

to great acclaim, and welcomes back ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café, David Bintley‘s ever-popular, 

bittersweet and poignant look at human impact on the world. 

A colourful host of endangered animals seek shelter from the storm in ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin 

Café. Featuring a morris-dancing flea, a ballroom-dancing ram, a hoe-downing rat, a majestic zebra 

and many more, this is an unforgettable, witty yet poignant tale, danced to Simon Jeffes’s delightful 

score originally composed for the Penguin Café Orchestra. 

Apollo highlighted the genius of its creator, the then 24-year-old George Balanchine, and launched 

his lifelong partnership with the composer Igor Stravinsky. This most exquisite of ballets was 

regarded by Balanchine as his artistic coming of age. Its pared back elegance gives the perfect 

platform for the Company’s world-class dancers to shine. 

Brilliant young Brazilian choreographer Juliano Nunes’s Interlinked was premiered in summer 2022 

as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. With a specially composed score by Australian composer 

Luke Howard, this beautifully abstract piece explores ideas of grace, beauty and harmony in ways 

that push the usual boundaries of classical dance. 

For ticket details visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com 

WHAT: PAUL WELLER AT FOREST LIVE 

WHERE: CANNOCK CHASE FOREST 

WHEN: JUNE 9 

This year’s Forest Live sees a favourite return to Cannock Chase as Paul Weller takes to the stage. 

Paul Weller has enjoyed an incredible 50 years making music. From his era-defining breakthrough with 

The Jam, reinvention via The Style Council, and formidable career as a solo artist, Paul has scored a 

string of Number 1 albums and singles. Constantly creating forward-thinking music, the ever-changing 

Weller has connected with fans across the generations and is regarded as a cultural icon of British 

music. A Forest Live stalwart, Paul has made a record-breaking 25 appearances as part of the concert 

series since his debut in 2004, the most by any artist and all to sold-out crowds. 

Special guests Far From Saints will also be performing on the night. Far From Saints is a new band 

with Kelly Jones of Stereophonics along with Patty Lynn and Dwight Baker of US band The Wind 

And The Wave. Far From Saints have recently released lead single Let’s Turn This Back Around, 

which encapsulates the irresistible magnetism that comes when two evocative voices are drawn 

together. Far From Saints will release their eponymous debut album this summer. 

For more details and ticket information visit www.forestryengland.uk/music 

WHAT: AETHELFEST 

WHERE: TAMWORTH CASTLE GROUNDS 

WHEN: JUNE 9 TO 13 

During the Saxon period, Tamworth was the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia. The town’s rich 

history will be celebrated through a live living history encampment located in the Castle Grounds on 

June 10 and 11 as part of this year’s Aethelfest. 

Families are invited to join in with the living history event.See how people lived in Tamworth during 

Anglo-Saxon times, test your skills in the sword school, see how Saxon armour was made in an 

authentic Saxon forge and used on the battlefield. 

Expand your knowledge of Tamworth’s history and take your Saxon weekend experience to the next 

level by checking out the Castle’s Battle and Tribute Saxon Exhibition, see items of the Staffordshire 

hoard, and learn about the Aethelflaed the incredible ‘Lady of the Mercians’. 

With author and historian talks, book signings, mead tastings and more, Aethelfest is set to bring history 

to life. 

Entry to the Living History Encampment in the Castle Grounds on June 10 and 11 is free, with times to 

be confirmed. General admission fees apply to enter the castle and museum, and there are also a variety 

of special ticketed events to be announced. For more details visit www.tamworthcastle.co.uk 


Check out what’s coming soon to Tamworth Assembly Rooms. 

Magic with Richard 

Jones Friday 12 May 

The D-Day Darlings 

Sunday 14 May 

King Pleasure & the 

Biscuit Boys Sat 20 May 

The Fureys 

Tuesday 30 May 

Goldilocks and the 

Three Bears Thurs 1 June 

High Jinx 

Friday 2 June 

Box Office: 01827 709618 www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk 

Corporation Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire. B79 7DN 

*Please note that these events were correct at time of print and are subject to change, please check our website for latest updates. 

9-13 JUNE 2023 

TAMWORTH’S ANNUAL SAXON FESTIVAL 

F Anglo-Saxon encampment with traditional crafts 

F Visit our Battle & Tribute gallery 

F View the Staffordshire Hoard 

F Historians & Authors 

F Book signings 

F Mead Hall & Mead tasting 

TO BOOK OR FOR MORE INFORMATION TEL: 01827 709618 

OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.TAMWORTHCASTLE.CO.UK 

TAMWORTH CASTLE, HOLLOWAY, TAMWORTH, STAFFORDSHIRE. B79 7NA

WHAT: SUMMER EVENTS 

WHERE: NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM, ALREWAS 

WHEN: SELECTED DAYS THROUGHOUT SUMMER 

There are amazing things and inspiring stories to discover at the National Memorial Arboretum this summer. 

Nestled among 150-acres of growing woodland and gardens are more than 400 memorials that remember people 

from all walks of life. 

From the colourful Naval Service Memorial that casts the shadow of a warship on sunny days, to a carved Polar 

Bear designed to reflect the wartime service of those it remembers, there are tales of camaraderie, inspirational 

leaders, heroism, resilience shown in the darkest moments, grit, bravery, and care. Each memorial has a powerful 

story to tell and visitors to the Arboretum leave feeling uplifted and inspired. 

The Arboretum has something for all visitors to enjoy, from a large restaurant where you can plan your adventure 

around the site, to beautiful walks, interesting free daily talks that help bring stories to life, family holiday 

activities, to memory making events and activities. 

This summer, join world renowned jive and swing band, The Jive Aces on Saturday, June 17, for an evening to 

remember. Hosted in Aspects, with stunning views out over the Arboretum grounds, guests will enjoy a twocourse 

dinner while dancing the night away to a high energy performance from this fantastic four-piece. 

On June 24 and 25, the Arboretum will invite visitors to celebrate the work and contribution of our Armed Forces 

community during Armed Forces Weekend. A free programme of family activities including live music, climbing 

walls, segways, archery, zipline, an assault course and much more will be available throughout the weekend. 

Later in the summer, on Friday August 4 and Saturday August 5, the Band of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, 

soprano Louise Callinan and baritone Rodney Earl Clarke will take to the stage for two stunning evenings of live 

music as the Arboretum’s Summer Proms returns. Set within beautiful surroundings, the programme includes the 

rousing tribute to Louis Armstrong, Satchmo, Something Good from the Sound of Music as well as toe-tapping 

hits from the award-winning musical The Jersey Boys. Traditional Proms favourites will round off the evenings, 

which will end with a spectacular firework finale. 

The Arboretum is free to enter and is open throughout the year, advance booking is recommended to guarantee 

entry particularly on event days. The Arboretum is easily accessible by road and is located just off the A38 

between Burton and Lichfield. Visit www.thenma.org.uk for further information and to book. 


Lichfield Garden Centre 

Celebrating 10 Years 2013-2023 

WE ARE A TRUSTED, LOCAL FAMILY, DEDICATED TO PROVIDING 

A TRULY PERSONAL SERVICE FOR THOSE WHO NEED US 

BURIALS, HORSE-DRAWN FUNERALS, BESPOKE FUNERAL 

AND PRE-PAYMENT FUNERAL PLANS AVAILABLE 

Summer is just around the corner! 

ALL-INCLUSIVE FUNERAL PACKAGES 

FEES FOR CREMATORIUM, DOCTOR AND CELEBRANT INCLUDED 

*DIRECT - £1,495 *SIMPLE - £2,300 *TRADITIONAL - £2,950 

ALL NEEDS AND WISHES CATERED FOR. 

PRE-PAYMENT FUNERAL PLANS AVAILABLE 

OUR SECOND FUNERAL HOME IS NOW OPEN AT 

152, CANNOCK ROAD, BURNTWOOD WS7 0BG 

ALSO AT 

16 - 20 NORTH STREET, CANNOCK, WS11 0BA 

01543 529813 (ANYTIME) 

VISIT OUR WEB AND FACEBOOK SITES TO SEE OUR REVIEWS 

WWW.OMALLEYFUNERALS.CO.UK • FACEBOOK.COM/OMALLEYFUNERALS 

Curborough 

Gift Shop 

GIFTS & CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

When the hard work is done, 

relax with a cool drink on our 

range of garden furniture and 

patio sets. 

Hanging Basket & Patio Plants 

are now available - create a 

stunning show this summer and 

enjoy a long lasting display. 

Coach Trips 2023 

Join us as we visit some great 

gardens & garden shows this 

summer, travelling direct 

from the Garden Centre 

Blenheim Palace Saturday 24th June £59 

RHS Bridgewater Saturday 1st July £52 

Kew Gardens Saturday 29th July £65 

Christmas Days Out to Blenheim Palace & Chatsworth... 

More details coming soon, see our website 

Garden Club Members get 10% Off all prices shown - 

join up for a one-off £10 fee. 

Ravishing Roses 

We stock a wide range of roses from 

Patio & Bush to Climbing & Rambling. 

Enjoy the fragrance and colour that 

roses can bring to any garden. 

Celebration varieties also available 

Find us at Curborough Countryside Centre (off 

Eastern Avenue), Lichfield. 

CURBOROUGH COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE 

WATERY LANE, LICHFIELD WS13 8ES 

TEL: 0843 289 4525 OR 07885 387640 

OPENING HOURS: 10AM – 4PM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 

WWW.CURBOROUGHGIFTSHOP.CO.UK 

FOLLOW US 

Postcode for your Sat Nav : WS13 8ES. 

See our website for opening times. 

Telephone : 01543 254306 

Website : www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk

F I N A N C E 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Wealth Matters 

A MONTHLY REVIEW OF THE WORLD OF FINANCE FROM 

LICHFIELD FINANCIAL ADVISER JEAN LAMB DipPFS 

Passing on your wealth after you die - what if 

things aren’t straightforward? 

Some of the most common questions people tend to ask 

are “What if I can’t decide who gets what?”, “What if 

my beneficiaries are too young or unable to look after the 

money themselves?” or “What if I have no close family?” 

In all such cases – and many other even more complicated 

scenarios – it should not prevent you from making a Will. 

Professional advice can help to ensure your wishes are 

carried out after your death and as much of your wealth as 

possible goes to the people who you want to benefit from it 

after you die. 

One of the first steps is to write a Will, but for many it 

isn’t just as simple as leaving everything to your partner or 

children. 

What if I simply can’t decide who gets what? 

Being unsure who to pass your wealth on to need not 

necessarily stop you making a Will. If you’re feeling 

uncertain, you could consider building a Discretionary 

Trust into your Will. Then what happens to your assets 

after you die will be decided by its Trustees - who are, of 

course, appointed by you. If you have Trustees you can 

rely on and leave a letter of wishes to express your views 

on the matter, they can use this as guidance as to how to 

distribute the funds. 

What if the people I want to inherit my estate 

are children or too young to manage the money 

responsibly? 

In this scenario, it’s common to set up a Trust for the 

children or young people. The Trustees would be guided 

by you as to how to distribute the funds on their behalf 

– for example, by paying for their maintenance and 

education. Then you can state that they will receive the full 

estate at a certain age – for example, 21 or 25 – depending 

on what you think is right for the individual. 

What if my beneficiaries are vulnerable in some 

way? 

If the beneficiary is disabled or has a long-term condition 

and will need someone to look after them after you die, you 

can consider a vulnerable person’s Trust. This can be very 

tax efficient and suitable investment can help towards the 

beneficiary being looked after for the rest of their life. 

You can also consider setting up a Trust like this during 

your lifetime which may have the knock-on benefit of 

assisting Inheritance Tax planning for your estate. 

What if I don’t have descendants to leave my 

estate to? 

You have complete freedom to leave your wealth to 

whoever you want. In cases like this, charities are a popular 

option, and anything you leave to charity has the bonus of 

passing to it free of all tax. 

There’s also a tax benefit if you leave at least 10% of 

your estate to charity. It’s a complicated formula, but, in 

principle, the rate of any Inheritance Tax chargeable on 

your estate will drop from 40% to 36%. 

In Summary 

Estate planning, Trusts and Wills do need careful 

consideration and require tailoring to each individual’s 

circumstances. I find this area usually requires input from 

two professions; the legal profession and my own. 

I deal with many Trust funds and I consider it very 

important that all Trusts are invested appropriately, tax 

efficiently and monitored regularly. This then benefits 

both the Trustees with their duties and, ultimately, the 

Beneficiaries too. 

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, 

can change at any time. The value of any tax relief 

depends on individual circumstances. 

Will writing involves the referral to a service that is 

separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place. 

Wills and Trusts are not regulated by the Financial 

Conduct Authority. 

Jean Lamb is Principal of Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy 

6A Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LH - Tel: 01543 417342 

Email: jean.lamb@sjpp.co.uk - Website: www.jeanlamb.co.uk 

Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management Plc (which is 

authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products 

and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the 

titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. 

SJP Approved 21/04/2023 


UK & European Paintings 

THIS PRODUCTION OF ‘BAD ROADS’ IS PRESENTED BY 

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH NICK HERN BOOKS. 

Andrew Macara RBA. NEAC. ‘On the Beach, Teignmouth’ 24x30” 

(4 seaside paintings by Andrew bought by the House of Commons). 

Over 250 choice original works by favourite and important artists from 

c1850 to 2023 at realistic asking prices from the low hundreds to several 

thousands. View at the gallery or your own home to fully appreciate the 

lovely quality and condition, colouring and effect - but you can see about 

150 images via the website. Interesting original works always wanted. 

Free Valuations, Cleaning & Swept Frames to Order. 

DRIFFOLD GALLERY 

FINE QUALITY & CONDITION, IMPORTANCE & VALUE, SINCE 1983. 

78 Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield 

0121 355 5433 - www.driffoldgallery.com 

EXCLUSIVE VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT - DAY OR EVENING 

Heart-breaking, powerful 

and bitterly comic account 

of life for women 

in wartime Ukraine. 

24 - 27 MAY 2023 

7.30PM, SAT MAT 2.30PM TICKETS £15 

THE BLUE-ORANGE THEATRE BHAM B18 6AD 

BOOK NOW: Tel: 0121 212 2643 

www.blueorangetheatre.co.uk 

www.HereToThereProductions.co.uk 

93x138mm.indd 1 21/04/2023 12:04

FA S H I O N 

Shorts stories 

AS TEMPERATURES START TO RISE, SO DO HEMLINES - MEANING IT’S TIME TO GIVE 

YOUR WARDROBE A SHORT AND SWEET UPDATE, SAYS AMY NORBURY. FROM TAILORED 

BERMUDAS TO CHIC CO-ORDS, SHORTS ARE A GO-TO FOR SUMMER STYLE 

AH. The sweet sound of summer is almost upon us, bringing 

with it a whole raft of updates for your wardrobe. As the 

mercury starts to rise, so do the hemlines - and pins which 

have barely seen the light of day in months get ready to make 

an appearance. 

Shorts have been having a fashion moment for many a season 

as we’ve cycled (ahem!) through trusty denim cut-offs and the 

shortest of hotpants, to skintight lycra bike shorts and more 

modest tailored affairs. 

And for 2023, the shorts story is one of opposites. 

At one end of the spectrum, those short-shorts are making a 

comeback, as championed by Miu Miu and their barely-there 

numbers across the SS23 catwalks. But if your hotpants days 

are behind you, at the other end, looser and longer styles are 

leading the way for wearable style. 

One of the season’s hottest cuts is straight out of the movies. 

Inspired by Julia Roberts’ classic salmon bermuda shortsand-blazer 

combo in Pretty Woman, bermuda shorts are 

top of the list for easy, breezy style. High-waisted and belted 

preferably, pair with a loose-fitting blouse or cami and a 

matching blazer for boardroom-to-bar chic. 

Speaking of matchy-matchy, co-ords are showing no signs of 

slowing down their fashion trajectory. Spring’s love of suiting 

continues apace, with tailored shorts suits offering the perfect 

take on all-occasions dressing. Team with a shirt and sandals 

for a smarter smart-casual vibe, or dress down with a T-shirt 

and trainers. 

Away from suiting co-ords take on a more casual approach, 

with floaty shirts and bold patterns offering a relaxed holiday 

feel whether you’re at home or away. Top picks include 

LMND’s cotton poplin Chiara shorts, with their ‘borrowedfrom-the-boys’ 

boxer style and co-ordinating loose fitting 

shirt which makes light work of summer dressing. 

Trusty denim is always going to have a say when it comes to 

your shorts arsenal, and every wardrobe should have at least 

one pair. Following on from the all-encompassing ‘mom’ 

jeans trend, ‘mom’ shorts are the way to go for a flattering fit 

which marries comfort with style. And what more could you 

want? 

BRIGHT GREEN BLAZER, £40, AND MATCHING 

SHORTS, £22, V BY VERY. WWW.VERY.CO.UK 

42 


£99.95 

£155 

£65 

CHIARA COTTON POPLIN SHIRT, 

LMND AT HARVEY NICHOLS. 


TATIYANA BLAZER IN VIVID GREEN, 

DANCING LEOPARD. 

WWW.DANCINGLEOPARD.CO.UK 

REYES PLAYSUIT, BARBOUR INTERNATIONAL. 

WWW.BARBOURINTERNATIONAL.COM 

£45 

£125 £16 

£45 

SOPHISTICATED SAFARI SHORTS, 

JOE BROWNS. 

WWW.JOEBROWNS.CO.UK 

LOLA SHORTS IN VIVID GREEN, 

DANCING LEOPARD. 

WWW.DANCINGLEOPARD.CO.UK 

CHIARA COTTON POPLIN SHORTS, 

LMND AT HARVEY NICHOLS. 


CAMEL BUCKLE BELTED SHORTS, 

TU AT SAINSBURYS. 

TUCLOTHING.SAINSBURYS.CO.UK 

JUDE JACQUARD BLOUSE, £49.50, 

AND DARLEY DENIM SHORTS £42, 

FAFACE. WWW.FATFACE.COM 

V&A LOVE AND ROSES RELAXED DOUBLE BREASTED 

BLAZER, £62, AND HIGH WAISTED BUTTON TAB SHORTS, 

£32, LIPSY AT NEXT. WWW.NEXT.CO.UK

B E AU T Y 

Switching Up Your 

Skincare For Summer 

AS WE MOVE INTO SUMMER AND THE WEATHER (HOPEFULLY) HOTS UP, IT’S TIME TO UP YOUR 

SKINCARE GAME TO ENSURE A HEALTHY AND GLOWING COMPLEXION. ROYAL FACIALIST AND 

FOUNDER OF HEAVEN SKINCARE DEBORAH MITCHELL EXPLAINS WHAT CHANGES TO MAKE TO 

KEEP YOUR SKIN LOOKING ITS BEST FOR THE MONTHS AHEAD 

WHY SWITCH UP YOUR 

SKINCARE ROUTINE? 

The change in temperature and 

humidity levels from spring to summer 

can have a significant impact on your 

complexion. As the weather gets 

warmer, your skin may produce more 

oil, causing breakouts and acne. In 

addition, you may sweat more, and this 

can lead to dehydration and irritation. 

By making small changes to your daily 

skincare routine you can make big 

changes to your skin. 

WHAT CHANGES SHOULD YOU 

MAKE? 

Keep it clean: A cleanser is 

the essential first step in any skincare routine. 

It removes make-up, dead cells, oil and daily 

pollutants, unclogging the pores and preventing 

breakouts. Because our faces are exposed to all 

sorts of environmental aggressors, from UV light to 

pollution, if you don’t cleanse properly, you leave all 

that grime on your skin day in, day out. My gentle 

Hydro Cleansing Milk contains organic jojoba, 

the closest match to our own natural oil, to balance 

and condition. 

The power of antioxidants: Antioxidants protect 

your skin from environmental stressors and can 

help reduce the appearance of fine 

lines. Look for products that contain 

antioxidants vitamins, such as betacarotene, 

vitamin C and vitamin E. 

Heaven’s Divine Cream is bursting 

with organic mandarin and orange, 

both natural sources of vitamin C, for 

more youthful and radiant skin. It was 

created for all complexions, especially 

those with more mature, sun damaged 

skin. 

Hydration, hydration, hydration: 

During warmer weather it’s vital to 

keep your skin hydrated – just as you 

44 


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Specialists in designing 

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眀 www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk 

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昀椀琀 

We are 

SOÔT. 

Pleased to meet you. 

The Salon, Lichfield welcomes you to SOÔT. 

Re-inventing wellness, bringing affordable 

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Your Wellness go-to’s all in one place. 

SOÔT - the Wella award winning hair salon. 

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bespoke natural & organic products. 

SOÔT - the Wellness store. 

· Wella · Moroccan Oil · Heavenly London 

· Varley · Scents by SOÔT · Natural Organic 

Skin care, Apothespa 

3 Bolt Court, Lichfield 

01543 251296 

www.sootwellness.com

need to drink water your skin needs water too. This 

way it stays plump and healthy, and dryness is kept 

at bay. Use my Orange Flower Hydrogel to pep 

your skin with a big burst of hydration. It will help 

soothe and repair, minimising redness as it does. It 

also contains organic neroli, asparagus and skinsaving 

vitamin C to refine fine lines. 

Invest in a face mist: A hydrating face mist is a 

great way to refresh your skin and keep it hydrated 

throughout the day. Look for a product with 

ingredients like hyaluronic acid that help to soothe 

and moisturise your skin. Keep a bottle in your 

bag for a quick pick-me-up on hot summer days. 

Collagen Body & Face Mist contains Heaven’s 

exclusive Collagen Drops blended with hyaluronic 

acid to even out fine lines and improve hydration and 

elasticity. There’s also essential neroli oil to target 

breakouts, balance oil levels and soothe redness. 

Keep in the fridge and spritz as summer hots up. 

HOW TO KEEP YOUR SKIN LOOKING ITS 

BEST 

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is 

essential for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. 

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and 

increase your intake if you’re spending time outdoors 

in the sun. 

Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, 

vegetables and lean proteins can help to nourish 

your skin from the inside out. Foods like blueberries, 

spinach and salmon are packed with antioxidants 

and nutrients that can help to keep your complexion 

glowing. 

Get enough sleep: Sleep is crucial for maintaining 

healthy skin. Aim for at least seven hours of shut eye 

each night, and establish a relaxing bedtime routine 

to help you unwind before hitting the sack. 

Heaven Skincare by Deborah Mitchell is 

available from Heaven Health & Beauty, 13a 

Market Place, Shifnal, Shropshire. You can also 

shop the range online at heavenskincare.com. 

46 


Rosemary Lodge Residential 

Care Home for elderly ladies 

and gentlemen offers a level of 

care, community and comfort 

that is second to none. 

We are an independently 

owned, private care home and 

have been a highly regarded 

part of the community for 

over 30 years. Offering 24- 

hour care, our fully trained 

staff work together to 

communicate with residents 

and ensure personal care 

needs are met in a personcentred 

approach. 

Please get in touch to find out 

more about our care. 

191 Walsall Road, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 8AQ 

Tel: 01543 415223 

Email: contact@rosemarylodge.co.uk 

Website: www.rosemarylodge.co.uk 

Proud to be a family run business for over 35 years 

HOME IS WHERE THE WARMTH IS 

Introducing 

the Sudbury 

woodburning 

stove from 

Clock 

Suppliers of: Contura, Clock, Jotul, Gazco, Scan, Town & Country Fires, ACR Heat Products and many more 

Installers and suppliers of gas fires, bespoke limestone surrounds, and gas and woodburning stoves, since 1981. 

1/7 High Street, Erdington B23 6RG Next to Highclare School 

Telephone: 0121 384 5251 - www.abbeyfirecentre.co.uk 

Open: Mon-Thurs-Fri 9am-5pm, Tues 9am-1pm, (closed Weds) Sat 10am-2pm 

abbeyfirecentre @abbeyfirecentre abbeyfirecentreltd

CO M P E T I T I O N 

Luxury home fragrances 

to SOÔT all 

LICHFIELD’S NEWEST WELLNESS DESTINATION SOÔT HAS LAUNCHED A LUXURIOUS HOME 

PRODUCTS LINE TO COMPLEMENT THE WELLNESS AND BEAUTY SERVICES ON OFFER - AND YOU 

COULD WIN A LUXURY CANDLE AND DIFFUSER FROM THE NEW COLLECTION, WORTH £84 

Offering a holistic wellness space which brings 

affordable luxury brands, products and services 

together, SOÔT is Lichfield’s go-to destination for all 

things wellness and beauty. 

To complement the services and treatments available 

in-store, SOÔT has created a luxury hand poured, 

natural wax, vegan candle collection that has 

been carefully designed to naturally enhance the 

atmosphere in your home, using only the finest blends 

of essential oils. 

For many people candles are a staple in their homes, 

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for a more eco-friendly option, natural wax blended 

candles might be just what you need. 

SOÔT co-founder Siân Mitchell is passionate about 

her products, and each piece in this collection is 

created using only high-quality, natural essential oil 

blends that soothe and revitalise. 

Siân says: “We wanted to create something a little 

different. Something that would look, feel and smell 

luxurious. When you burn a SOÔT candle correctly, 

our wax ensures no sooting, a beautifully even melt 

pool and a gorgeous fragrance throw. Our candles 

and diffusers have been hand made and poured in 

England. We wanted to create a clean burning product 

that we would use and love in our own homes.” 

The carefully curated scent library was built to 

SOÔT everyone, everywhere. The perfect balance 

of top, middle and base note essential oils create a 

truly magnificent fragrance and hence, provide a 

full treatment experience from the initial fragrance 

experience when the candle is lit through to the divine 

lingering aroma which is left when the candle is 

extinguished. From the moment you open the beautiful 

packaging the journey begins. A lifted spirit, a relaxing 

evening, a positive state of mind. 

SOÔT is based at 3 Bolt Court, Lichfield. For more 

details visit www.sootwellness.com 

Competition! 

J’AIME has teamed up with SOÔT to offer readers the chance to win a delectable 

candle and diffuser from their new range, worth a total of £84. For your chance to win, 

simply answer the following question: 

Where is SOÔT located? 

Send your answer, along with your name and contact details via email to competitions@jaimemagazine.com using the email 

subject SOÔT Competition. Entries must be received by 5pm on Friday, June 23, 2023. There will be one winner who will 

receive a 390g candle worth £44 and 200ml diffuser worth £40. The winner will be contacted via email after the closing date. 

Terms and conditions apply. For more information visit www.jaimemagazine.com 

48 


FREE HOME VISITS 

ACROSS SUTTON COLDFIELD 

& SURROUNDING AREAS 

FREE Antique Valuations at: Sutton Arts Theatre, 

S Parade, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B72 1QU 

Wednesday 7 June (11am-1pm) 

Charles regularly gives talks to groups, 

societies & businesses, as well as hosting 

fundraising balls & events. 

For more details contact: 

service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk 

Caption: Set of four Ming Dynasty wucai dishes sold for: £63,000 

Hansons Auctioneers & Valuers, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS 

01283 733 988 | hansonsauctioneers.co.uk 

TICKETS 

ON SALE NOW! 

TUE 5 - SAT 9 SEPTEMBER 

box office 01543 412121 

www.lichfieldgarrick.com

I N T H E N E W S 

A girl’s new best friend? 

LOUISE LUDLAM-SNOOK, JEWELLERY EXPERT AT RICHARD WINTERTON AUCTIONEERS, 

SAYS THAT WHEN IT COMES TO JEWELLERY, IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT DIAMONDS. 

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, 

but why not consider making 

friends with vintage costume 

jewellery too? 

Vintage costume jewellery can be 

very collectable. The right piece 

could prove a savvy investment; it 

can also be a way of purchasing 

an eye-catching piece of quality 

jewellery without the hefty price 

tag that often comes with diamonds 

and precious gemstones. 

It is much more prudent to buy a 

quality piece of vintage costume 

jewellery set with paste (glass), 

rather than a piece of modern, lowquality 

gem set jewellery. 

Vintage costume jewellery from the 1930s to 1960s 

was in general good quality and made to last – that’s 

why great examples of it are around today for 

collectors to buy. 

Top fashion houses like Chanel and Christian Dior 

were making it as part of their collections to sell 

alongside high end clothing at their boutiques. 

Coco Chanel, who made costume jewellery 

fashionable, cast aside real gemstones in favour of 

cheaper glass ‘because they were devoid of arrogance 

in an atmosphere of too-easy luxe’. Chanel set the 

trend of wearing multiple rows of pearls – ‘a woman 

needs ropes and ropes of pearls’ – again making fake 

fashionable: “I couldn’t wear my own pearls without 

being stopped on the street, so I started the vogue 

of wearing false ones.” Chanel also made wearing 

costume jewellery a statement not a compromise: 

“Costume jewellery is not made to give women an 

aura of wealth but to make them beautiful.” 

Christian Dior launched his fashion house in 1947, 

and the first collection introducing his famed ‘New 

Look,’ which celebrated femininity, elegance and 

opulence. From the beginning he designed jewellery 

to complement the clothing he created. Like Chanel, 

he saw costume jewellery as part of everyday wear 

THIS COLLECTION OF 

CHRISTIAN DIOR COSTUME 

JEWELLERY SOLD AT AUCTION 

FOR £100 

and an essential part of dressing but, again, believed 

it should be of a high quality, using only the most 

talented and reputable companies to manufacture 

his jewellery designs, names such as Kramer, Mitchel 

Maer and Grosse. 

Buying vintage costume jewellery is a great way of 

starting a jewellery collection on a modest budget, 

especially if you are buying from auction, where you 

get a lot more for your money. This means you can 

relax and have fun choosing and bidding on items 

without the worry of a large financial commitment. 

Richard Winterton Auctioneers offers jewellery 

appraisals, insurance valuations and probate advice 

by appointment at The Lichfield Auction Centre, 

Fradley Park, and The Tamworth Auction Rooms, 

Church Street. 

Pop-up, drop-in jewellery valuation events also take 

place weekly at Burton Market Hall, The Hub at St 

Mary’s in Lichfield and Burntwood Library. 

For auction information, to book valuations 

or to discuss full or partial house clearances, 

telephone 01543 251081 or email office@ 

richardwinterton.co.uk or telephone 01543 

251081. 

For Tamworth appointments, email tamworth@ 

richardwinterton.co.uk or telephone 01827 

217746. 

50 


Trust Davisons Law in Lichfield 

to Move You Forward 

SCAN FOR OFFICE 

DETAILS 

For all aspects of Law 

Property Law 

| Residential Conveyancing - Buying & Selling 

| Lease extensions 

| Purchase of Freehold 

| Equity Release 

| Re-mortgage 

Family Law 

| Divorce / Separation agreements 

| Living together / Cohabitation agreements 

| Prenuptial and Postnuptial agreements 

| Matrimonial Finances / Consent Orders 

| Child Arrangements 

Dispute Resolution 

| Employment claims 

| Commercial Litigation 

| Debt Recovery 

| Personal Injury/Medical Negligence 

| Professional Negligence 

Private Client 

| Wills & Estate Planning 

| Probate and Estate administration 

| Lasting Power of Attorney 

| Court of Protection Applications 

| Declaration of Trust 

| Deed of Variation 

T | 01543 387 509 E | Lichfield@davisons.law 

W | www.davisons.law 

A | 2a Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LL 

COLMORE ROW | EDGBASTON | COTTERIDGE | SUTTON COLDFIELD | WEOLEY CASTLE | WOLVERHAMPTON | 

LEAMINGTON SPA | LICHFIELD | SOLIHULL | STAFFORD | STRATFORD-UPON-AVON | STREATHAM

WELCOME TO BAYLISS BATHROOMS, 

THE LARGEST INDEPENDENT LUXURY 

BATHROOM SPECIALIST IN THE REGION. 

OUR UNRIVALLED ONE STOP PROJECT 

MANAGED SERVICE, FROM DESIGN 

THROUGH TO INSTALLATION, IS FOCUSED 

ON TURNING YOUR DREAM BATHROOM 

INTO REALITY. 

WHATEVER YOUR REQUIREMENTS, 

WE CAN PROVIDE YOUR BATHROOM 

SOLUTION. WE WELCOME YOU TO VISIT 

OUR NEW WEBSITE OR SHOWROOM TO 

EXPLORE THE BAYLISS EXPERIENCE AND 

ALL THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU 

We offer a complete ‘One Stop’ process to turn your bathroom dreams into reality, which includes: 

• A bespoke 2,500 sq ft showroom with over 20 bathroom displays located in Sutton Coldfield 

• A specialist design team to create designs to match your every need 

• Expert knowledge of our partner brands giving you access to superb products and tiles. 

• In-house installation teams working to the highest possible standards 

• Management of all aspects of the Project, providing you with a single point of contact, every step of the way 

• For those customers who require a Supply Only service, access to all leading brands at competitive cost. 

BAYLISS BATHROOMS, 23 GATE LANE, BOLDMERE, SUTTON COLDFIELD B73 5TR 

0121 362 1800 - www.baylissbathrooms.co.uk

J’AIME MAY/JUNE 2023

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